6 Easiest Languages To Learn For English Speakers

Have you ever tried to learn a second language? You may think that speaking English is sufficient to communicate abroad. However, as a traveller or expat, practicing another language can transport you to an entirely different world. Maybe you just want to learn a new language, but you’ve been led to believe that it’s too difficult. No matter what your reasons, this article is for you.

Learning the local language can transform your experience as an expat, traveller, or anyone open to new cultures. I can tell you that firsthand, having been living in Panama for almost five years and speaking Spanish daily.

Learning Spanish wasn’t just a hobby for me. It was a way to make my life in Panama easier and more fulfilling. My priority wasn’t reading and writing but being able to order at a restaurant, do my banking, or chat with locals at the grocery store. I’m not trying to be perfect. I just want to communicate. 

I always encourage my clients to learn a bit of the local language wherever they live. Many of my older clients, those in their 60s and 70s, think they’re too old to learn. But I push back on that. Age doesn’t have to be a barrier. I know plenty of people well past retirement age who have successfully learned new languages. It’s about your mindset and approach, not your age. If you put in the time and use the language daily, you’ll start to see progress.

I’ve also seen this in my own family. My eight-year-old daughter speaks multiple languages—English, Spanish, and Mandarin—and we’re even working on Russian. It’s not just because she’s young. She’s surrounded by these languages every day and spends hours speaking them.  

Don't hold yourself back if you’re an expat thinking about learning the local language. Check out these language programs to take the first step to learning a foreign language. As a native English speaker, I’ve found that languages with Germanic roots are often easier to pick up because they share similar sounds and structures. In this article, I’ll dive into some of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn. Let’s check them out!

French grammar and pronunciation may seem complicated at first, but with practice and persistence, it becomes easier and quite enjoyable

6. FRENCH

I have a personal story about learning French in Canada, where I was born. French is the official second language in Canada, and some provinces are entirely bilingual. When I was a kid, I was diagnosed with dyslexia and told that languages just weren’t my thing. Teachers even pulled me out of French classes because they didn’t want to overload me. While I never learned French, I’ve always admired the language and the opportunities it offers.

Learning French is a rewarding journey that offers many benefits. It can help you explore new cultures, unlock amazing travel experiences across Europe and Africa, and connect with people in ways you never thought possible. It’s a beautiful language, perfect for diving into art and literature and making new friends worldwide. 

Sure, French grammar and pronunciation can be a bit tricky at first, but with regular practice and some patience, it becomes much easier—and a lot of fun! Whether you’re learning for personal growth, work, or preparing to live in a French-speaking country, French adds a whole new layer of connection and adventure to your life.

Like any language, Italian has its challenges, and to make your journey smoother, try listening to music, watching movies with subtitles, and practicing with native speakers

5. ITALIAN

Learning Italian is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Italy's rich culture and history. As the language of art, music, and cuisine, Italian connects you to some of the world’s most iconic cultural treasures, from Michelangelo’s masterpieces to opera and authentic Italian cooking. It’s also a beautifully melodic language, making learning and speaking highly enjoyable. 

However, like any language, Italian comes with its challenges. Grasping grammar rules like verb conjugations and the use of gendered nouns can be tricky at first. Pronunciation, though straightforward, requires practice to master its rhythm and flow. 

To make learning easier, try listening to Italian music, watching movies with subtitles, or practising with native speakers. Apps and language exchange groups are also great resources. With consistent effort and a bit of patience, learning Italian opens doors to travel and new friendships and allows you to experience Italy’s vibrant culture on a whole new level.

For me, learning Spanish wasn’t about passing exams or becoming a grammar expert—it was about connecting with others. I learned that people appreciate your effort, even if your sentences aren’t always perfect

4. SPANISH

Learning Spanish has been a life-changing experience for me and my family. Because we chose to call Panama home, becoming fluent in Spanish wasn’t just a goal; it was necessary to make everyday life smoother and more enjoyable. My daughter is now native-level fluent in Spanish, and it’s incredible to see how naturally she communicates with locals.

For me, learning Spanish wasn’t about becoming a grammar expert or passing exams—it was about connection. I’ve learned that people appreciate the effort, even if your sentences aren’t always perfect.

For English speakers, learning Spanish comes with its challenges. The grammar can feel overwhelming at first—especially verb conjugations and understanding gendered nouns—but Spanish is also considered one of the more straightforward languages to learn because of its phonetic nature. Once you know the sounds, most words are pronounced just as they’re written, which makes it easier to pick up. One tool that made a massive difference for me was a story-based system called Spanish Uncovered, which I use for my active study time. 

German grammar can seem daunting, but English and German share a common root. Many words like Haus (House) or Apfel (Apple) are similar, making vocabulary and word recognition easier to grasp

3. GERMAN

Learning German presents unique challenges, but it can be easier in some ways than learning Romance languages like Spanish or French, especially if you are a native English speaker. German and English share a common Germanic root, which means there are many similarities in vocabulary and word formation. Words like Haus (house) or Apfel (apple) are easily recognizable.

However, German grammar can be much more daunting, with its four grammatical cases, three noun genders, and complex word order rules. For English speakers, mastering these nuances often feels more challenging than learning the straightforward sentence structures of Latin languages. 

On the other hand, German pronunciation tends to be more consistent and predictable compared to the often irregular pronunciation found in French or English. Overall, German might be more challenging to grasp initially due to its grammar, but it becomes more manageable over time, especially for those familiar with English's Germanic roots.

Dutch sits between Swedish and German in difficulty, but learning it opens doors to connect with the cultures of both the Netherlands and Belgium

2. DUTCH 

Dutch is often considered one of the more approachable languages for native English speakers to learn, especially because of its close relationship to English. As a Germanic language, Dutch shares a lot of vocabulary with English, with many words being nearly identical. For example, water means the same thing in both languages and is pronounced similarly. Dutch grammar is also simpler than German—there are no cases for nouns, and it only has two genders (common and neuter), much like Swedish.

However, the Dutch can still pose some challenges. Word order, particularly in complex sentences, can be tricky to master, and verbs sometimes move to unexpected parts of the sentence. Pronunciation is another hurdle, especially sounds like the guttural "g" in words like goedemorgen (good morning) or the "ui" sound in huis (house). However, Dutch verb conjugations are straightforward compared to other languages, and their vocabulary often feels more intuitive for English speakers.

Overall, Dutch sits somewhere between Swedish and German in difficulty—it’s less complicated than German but a bit trickier than Swedish. Learning Dutch opens the door to connecting with the Netherlands’ and Belgium's vibrant cultures, from Amsterdam’s canals to Belgian waffles!

Compared to German, Spanish, French, or Dutch, Norwegian is often easier for English speakers, thanks to simpler grammar—no complex cases like German or extensive verb conjugations like Spanish or French

1. NORWEGIAN

Would you ever have imagined that one of the easiest languages for native English speakers to learn is Norwegian? That’s right! Norwegian is surprisingly accessible, thanks to its Germanic roots, simple grammar, and clear pronunciation. Plus, learning Norwegian invites diving into a rich and fascinating culture full of Nordic mythology, modern Scandinavian design, and stunning landscapes. 

Getting started is easy—just pick up some basic vocabulary and everyday phrases. Over time, you’ll master sentence structure and pronunciation, getting closer to fluency with each step. You’ll discover how enjoyable and rewarding this language can be with consistent practice!

Compared to other languages like German, Spanish, French, or Dutch, Norwegian is often one of the easiest for English speakers to learn. Its grammar is much simpler, without the complex cases of German or the extensive conjugations of Spanish and French. Its pronunciation is more predictable than French or Dutch, although Norwegian’s unique tonal accents may require some practice. While Dutch shares quite a bit of vocabulary with English, Norwegian’s intuitive structure and simplicity make it a standout choice. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to learn something new in a light and enjoyable way!

Learning a new language enhances life abroad, making daily tasks easier and connections richer. Start small, practice daily, and enjoy the rewards of feeling at home

CONCLUSION

Learning the local language will definitely enhance your experience as you travel or move abroad. It's all about simplifying daily life and building connections with others. Regardless of your age, it's always a great time to begin. I've witnessed how even little actions can lead to significant changes. Every conversation makes you feel more comfortable and welcome.

Begin by trying out a few phrases and using them in everyday life. Everyone will appreciate your hard work, and you'll see improvements quickly. Why not start now? Take a look at our language programs and start your journey today. Learning a new language makes life abroad even more enjoyable.